Time not on stroke victims' side, so quick action crucial

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October 31, 2013

Dr. Jonathan Garza is the chief of neurology at the Kelsey-Seybold Spring Medical and Diagnostic Center.

When someone has a stroke, it’s important to act quickly. Knowing the warning signs and taking preventive steps are paramount.

Dr. Jonathan Garza, chief of neurology at Kelsey-Seybold's Medical and Diagnostic Center, said a stroke is caused by a lack of blood flow to a portion of the brain, resulting in cellular death.

Garza -- who earned his bachelor's in biology from the University of Texas at Austin and his master's from Columbia University, and completed his neurology residency and fellowship at UT Medical School in Houston -- said there are warning signs.

“These include any sudden changes in neurologic function, such as slurring of speech, vertigo, imbalance, weakness or numbness of the face, arm and/or leg,” he said.

Garza said the acronym “FAST” can test whether someone is having a stroke.

“Face -- Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? Arms -- Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Speech -- Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or impaired? Time is of the essence. If any of these signs are observed, call 911,” he said.

There are precautions people can take to prevent strokes. Garza said managing risk factors -- such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and diabetes -- is key in reducing risk.

“Behavioral modifications also decrease one’s risk,” he said. “Smoking cessation leads to a significant reduction...as does choosing a healthier diet. I recommend a heart-healthy diet to my stroke patients.”

“Exercise not only improves your physical well-being, but also improves your mental health and sense of well-being,” he said. There are also drug therapies that can help prevent strokes.

Garza advises stroke patients to keep a positive outlook, which he says is critical for rehabilitation.

“The brain does not re-grow damaged tissue, but it has an amazing capacity to re-wire or re-route functions around the damaged portions of brain,” he said. “This process takes time and practice.”

To connect with Garza or the Kelsey-Seybold Clinic’s Spring Medical and Diagnostic Center, call 713-442-1700 or visit www.kelsey-seybold.com.

ABOUT Jonathan Garza, M.D.AGE: 36OCCUPATION: Chief of neurologyCOMMUNITY CONNECTION: Practices at Kelsey-Seybold's Spring Medical and Diagnostic CenterFAST FACT: Garza and his wife, Celina, have three daughters: Tallulah, Philippa and Georgiana

Mark DeHaven is a freelance writer. He can be reached at neighborhoods@chron.com.